The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off today in Brazil and the next few weeks will be filled with heart-pounding games that are played by some of the world’s best soccer players.

Although all of the players are integral pieces of the puzzle towards the quest for the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy, none of these games could be played without the most important piece, the actual soccer ball.

To begin, a standard soccer ball is a sphere that is made of 32 smooth panels, 12 black pentagons and 20 white hexagons. However, this conventional soccer ball design is a thing of the past.

Over the years, Adidas has designed the soccer balls that are used in the World Cup. During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Adidas designed the Jabulani ball, which was intended to be aerodynamic in comparison to other soccer balls. However, the players in the tournament begged to differ, saying that the ball was actually “terrible” and that it changed directions mid-flight.

So, for this year’s World Cup, Adidas tweaked their soccer ball invention and created the Brazuca, the official ball of the 2014 World Cup. This soccer ball consists of six textured panels that are shaped like stylized Xs.

In order to perfect this invention, Sungchan Hong and Takeshi Asai, a pair of researchers from the Institute of Health and Sports Science at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, analyzed the aerodynamic properties of the Brazuca ball. Through their research, they put five soccer balls through a series of tests in order to observe their performance.

Their analysis compared the results of wind tunnel tests with actual trajectories through the air. The wind tunnel test results revealed that the Brazuca was the front-runner when it came to the stability of the drag forces, otherwise known as air resistance acting on the ball.

Another set of tests were conducted and each soccer ball was struck 40 times (20 times in each of two orientations) by an “impact-type kick robot” that carried the ball to a goal net 25 meters away. In this test, the Brazuca and a conventional ball were most likely to wind up in the same part of the net after each kick.

Through this battery of tests, the Brazuca soccer ball came out on top.

As previously mentioned, the invention design of the Brazuca includes six panels which distribute the seams differently, creating a smooth flight path. However, the key innovation on this soccer ball is the intentional roughing of the ball’s surface. On the surface, the Brazuca is covered with small polyurethane nubs that imitate the effect that stitches create on a traditional 32-panel ball. These nubs are used to even out turbulence and cut down on what some experts refer to as knuckleballing.

Through all of these design innovations and with the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicking off today, we are anxious to see if the Brazuca soccer ball will score with the players!

The official start of summer is right around the corner and for those of you who might have waited until the last minute to get into swimsuit-ready shape, these new inventions might help boost your efforts!

New, innovative health inventions are constantly being brought to the market; and, now, we want to take a look at a few inventions that might point you in the right direction towards healthy weight loss.

Prep Pad- Portion control is an integral step in the weight loss process. That’s why an invention like the Prep Pad can help a person easily measure and portion their foods. This kitchen scale invention is made from recycled composite paper and actually, does more than just weigh your food. In fact, this health invention connects directly to your iPod via Bluetooth, which gives you the breakdown of your food’s nutritional value. Additionally, a user can enter whatever type of food it may be that they need to weigh and the pad will compare its nutritional value to the USDA recommendations and personal diet plan settings. All of these features can allow a person to accurately weigh their food and record their caloric intake.

Misfit Shine- Wearable fitness technology is the latest trend. People all over the world are wearing their fitness trackers day in and day out to count their steps and track their progress. The Misfit Shine is more than just a rubber fitness band. In fact, the MisFit Shine is a fitness tracker that is designed to record biometric data while looking like a desirable piece of jewelry. This invention allows the user to choose between different wearable options like a necklace or a clip-on accessory. But, if you still like the rubber bracelet idea, this invention can be worn that way, too. This “space age” contraption, as some call it, is more or less a pedometer that will measure your motion while walking, running, swimming, and cycling. The app that accompanies this invention allows the user to set their own specific goals that pertain to their activities. The Misfit Shine invention helps a user not only track their activities, but also track their sleeping habits and their progress toward their current goals.

Soccket- In addition to the nutrition portion of weight loss, physical exercise also is an essential piece to the healthy lifestyle puzzle. Furthermore, in this day and age, innovative technology and the fitness industry go hand-in-hand. The Soccket is a prime example. This invention generates and stores energy as a player kicks it, which then provides energy at home. At least 15 minutes on the field creates enough energy to power a small light for at least three hours. The inventors of the Soccket, Harvard students, Jessica Lin, Julia Silverman, Jessica Matthews and Hemali Thakkar, use the principle of flashlights that charge when shaken to ‘power’ their invention idea. In addition to encouraging physical activity, this invention could even help those in developing nations replace kerosene, which is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses and fires.

Health and wellness continue to be a focal point in today’s society. That is why new, innovative inventions continue to hit the market to help people start and maintain a healthy lifestyle by making eating healthy and being active easy and enjoyable.

At Davison, we thrive on creativity and the inventive spirit every day. But, the month of May in particular is a time when we can celebrate our love of inventing with the rest of the invention world during National Inventors Month.

This month-long celebration of inventions and creativity began in 1998 by the United Inventors Association of the USA (UIA-USA), the Academy of Applied Science and Inventors’ Digest magazine.

The purpose of National Inventors Month is to help promote the positive image of inventors and the contributions that they make to the world we live in today, and for the future.

Right now, almost everything around you started with an idea. From that idea, an invention was born. National Inventors Month looks to celebrate those innovators, tinkerers and the creative thinkers whose ideas have enriched our lives day in and day out.

Let’s take Thomas Edison for instance. He was a famous inventor who invented the innovations that we utilize every day, like the electric light bulb and the phonograph that laid the foundation for inventions like the CD player and iPod to name a few. In his lifetime, Edison held more than 1,000 patents for his inventions!

Perhaps you are reading this blog by the assistance of glasses; you can thank Benjamin Franklin for his invention of the bifocals. Or maybe you are planning your summer vacation to a destination that is too far for you to drive. Thanks to the Wright Brothers, who successfully designed, built and flew the first powered aircraft, you can now get to your location faster, because of the invention of the airplane.

Just like these famous inventors, the inventive spirit lives within everyone. National Inventors Month is the perfect time to take the opportunity to further explore your invention ideas. Who knows, one day we might be writing a blog about how YOUR invention changed the world. But, you’ll never know if you don’t dare to invent with Davison!

Rumors have been swirling around the idea that Apple is currently working on a new app called “Healthbook.”

It all began in February when Apple posted a job listing for a physiologist that intimated the tech giant might be exploring health apps or gadgets.

This leads us to the most current news about Apple’s latest invention, which might be bringing fitness and health tracking capabilities to the forefront on future versions of the iPad and iPhone. It’s speculated that the latest update will debut with iOS 8 sometime later this year.

Much like the Passbook app that was developed by Apple, which offers a centralized location for your plane tickets, coupons, gift certificates and other passes, the Healthbook will offer a unified location for the user’s health and fitness information.

How will this new app track your wellness? For certain areas, it will utilize the new M7 chip. This technology was introduced with the iPhone 5s last year for the motion-detecting processor capabilities that are embedded inside the device. For the new app, the M7 chip will help track things such as the number of steps that you take during the course of your day, or the speed as you run.

New inventions go through a slew of changes as the process gets more involved. For instance, in the case of the Healthbook, for categories like “Respiratory Rate” and “Blood Sugar” as shown in the mock-up, these info-gathering processes would require separate devices. Does this mean that, in addition, Apple also is working on a device(s) that could perform these additional tasks?

If this isn’t the case, it’s likely that Healthbook will sync with many existing third-party devices.

You know what they say, an Apple a day keeps the doctor away and we think that Apple’s latest health invention might offer the help that consumers need!

It may seem like a fairly new idea. But, the invention of the contact lens spans back much farther than you would think. In fact, contact lenses have been helping people see more clearly since the inception of this invention in 1887.

As you all may know, the contact lens is an artificial lens that is worn on the surface of the eye in order to correct refractive defects of vision.

The invention of contact lenses came to be in 1887 when Adolf Fick developed the first pair, which were made of glass, to correct irregular astigmatism.

The early invention of the lenses was, as you could have guessed, uncomfortable and could not be worn for extended periods of time.

The earliest form of the contact lens invention was made by taking an impression of the eye and fashioning a lens on a mold. This practice was done before the development of optical instruments that could measure the curvature of the cornea, which is the transparent surface of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil.

Then, in 1889, a German glassblower by the name of F.A. Muller had an idea for the invention and found a better way to make a glass lens thinner and lighter.

In the mid-1900s, plastic-based contact lenses were introduced into the mix and were designed so that the lenses were more wearable. However, the lens continued to sit flat on the cornea that made it uncomfortable and did not provide the best vision correction.

Inventions go through countless changes in order to iron out the kinks and, in 1948, California optician Kevin Tuohy began making contact lenses entirely out of plastic. These new, fully-plastic lenses were bigger than the cornea, yet smaller than the previous pair of lenses, which was a step in the right direction.

By the 1950s and 1960s, the invention got another boost when the lens was shaped more like the cornea and they became smaller and thinner. And, for the first time ever, the lenses could be worn all day, albeit, still they were an uncomfortable fit.

The new, soft lens became commercially available by 1971 in the United States and during the 1980s, the color-tinted contact lens was introduced as along with the disposable lens and the extended-wear lens.

What once started out as a glass lens that covered the entire eyeball turned into an invention that went through a myriad of changes. Since the invention idea hit the ground running, contact lenses have continued to help people correct refractive defects of vision. In fact, more than 100 million people around the world are getting a clearer look at life because of this invention.

With the latest announcement from Apple, Siri may soon be riding shotgun in your car .

Apple recently announced its latest product, CarPlay. This slick, Siri-enabled device will interact with your iPhone in the car. The latest invention isn’t a standalone in-car operating system; rather, it’s a “second screen” iOS interface that is optimized for the car.

CarPlay will allow for a deeper integration with iOS devices than any in-car system to date.

The system will make its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show and cars like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Volvo will be shown with CarPlay built in.

Now, in order for CarPlay to work, the system operates with a Lightning-connector that connects to the iPhone. Users are limited to using the system with the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c, which all need to be connected to the car in order for the features to work.

But, nonetheless, you can think of this system as a car-infotainment system by substitution, because everything still runs through the iPhone.

CarPlay uses a system based on streaming H.264 video in order for the screen mirroring and car-touchscreen interaction with the phone to work.

The physical connection of the iPhone to the device will be tethered via a Lightning cable, which is a proprietary computer and power connector that was invented by Apple in order to find a better way to connect Apple mobile devices like iPads, iPhones and iPods to host computers, cameras, external monitors, USB battery chargers and other devices.

The new system was designed with the idea of providing ease for users to gain access and use their iPhone’s services and software via Siri. CarPlay offers access to hands-free calling functions, in addition to Siri search, messages and maps. The latter of the features means that Apple will have the opportunity to push its own maps app over those of its competitors (cough, cough, Google).

Finally, CarPlay will work in conjunction with other apps like Podcasts and some music services from third-parties like Beats Radio, iHeart Radio, Spotify and Stitcher. Based off of what we have seen so far, many believe that the evolution of this new Apple invention will be a gradual, hand-selected roll-out, which is similar to how Apple handled adding Apple TV software partners.

On Tuesday, we wrote a blog about the ReWalk Exoskeleton that is giving paralyzed individuals a second chance at walking again. Today, we want to talk about the Resound Linx. This invention is aimed at giving the hearing impaired a better chance at hearing the sounds that make the world go round.

This new rare piece of wearable technology is a practical and immediately-usable invention that can be utilized by anyone with a hearing impairment. On Monday, this new Bluetooth device was officially launched by the Denmark-based GN ReSound company that developed it.

The hearing aid uses ReSound’s Surround Sound integrated sound processing and the company touts that it is powerful enough to aid in 90 percent of hearing loss cases.

Furthermore, this invention was created in order to work seamlessly with the iPhone and iPad. The ReSound Linx will allow the person wearing the apparatus to adjust the sound settings directly from their smartphone. This is an important feature that allows anyone who is wearing the hearing aid to be less conspicuous while adjusting their device in public.

So, what sets this device apart from the others? The hearing aids are directly connected between Apple devices. Additionally, the hearing aid also can exchange data with the iPhone, using the ReSound smart app that will give the user new ways to personalize their hearing experience.

The functionality of the device’s ability is the fact that the invention has the capability to remember specific sound experience settings from a particular location. The device can do this by tagging GPS locations, so users then have the option to use that location-specific setting whenever they return to the location.

That’s not all for the GPS function. It also serves as a locator. Let’s say that you’ve lost one of the devices; you can search for it using the ReSound Linx app, which raises the volume level on the app’s display as you get closer to the lost device.

The only apparent downside of this new invention is that it isn’t cheap. In fact, the general price ranges anywhere from $2,900-$3,500.

Although it may have a hefty price tag, this “sound” piece of technology is sparking the interest of consumers everywhere.

If you ask someone what the future will be like, some common answers are that there will be flying cars or that we will be able to travel back into time, etc. But, there was one inventor and idea man, in particular, that just so happened to predict the future, and the future that he predicted is now!

It all began in 1964 when a science-fiction writer by the name of Isaac Asimov used his creativity and imagination to invent an idea of what the future would look like; and, by the looks of it, he was pretty spot on.

Let’s take a look at a few of Asimov’s invention predictions!

Microwave- We have already written a blog that was solely devoted to the invention of convenience, otherwise known as the microwave. But, long before our blog post, Asimov predicted that there would be an invention that would prepare “automeals” and that complete lunches and dinners with the food semi-prepared would be stored in the freezer until ready for processing (hello, TV dinners). It’s safe to say that Asimov’s invention prediction number one was accurate.

GPS- Road maps are now seen as a sort of historical document, ever since the GPS was invented. Now, you can travel uncharted territory and go from point A to point B with a small invention that is either incorporated into your car’s dashboard, sticks to the inside of your car’s windshield or is available on your Smartphone. Asimov predicted that “Much effort will be put into the designing of vehicles with ‘robot-brains’ (vehicles that can be set for particular destinations and that will then proceed there without interference by slow reflexes of a human driver.)” The invention that Asimov described is pretty close to the GPS that we use today. And, he might not be far off with his prediction of vehicles proceeding without interference by slow reflexes of the human driver; because, there are countless projects, one of which was conducted in 2013 at Carnegie Mellon University, where they invented a working prototype of a self-driving car. Stay tuned to see if Asimov’s second prediction comes completely true!

FaceTime/Internet- So, your loved one or your friend is on the other side of the country or even across the pond; but, that doesn’t matter because you can still talk to them face-to-face via FaceTime and the internet. These two inventions have revolutionized the way that people communicate and Asimov predicted this future invention by saying, “Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone.” He continued to say that “The screen can be used not only to see the people you call but also for studying documents and photographs and reading passages from books.” How would this be possible? Asimov said that “synchronous satellites, hovering in space will make it possible for you to direct-dial any spot on Earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica.” These invention predictions made by Asimov sound a lot like the tablets and computers that we use on a daily basis, both leisurely and for our business efforts, too.

Asimov made these predictions 50 years ago and we are using these inventions today. Perhaps, 50 years from now, we will be writing about your invention and your invention predictions. But, you’ll never know, if you don’t dare to invent!

Since our creative workspace, Inventionland, has been compared to and ranked even“odder” than Google headquarters, we certainly can appreciate Google’s latest efforts to inspire young creators everywhere.

Google has just launched their 2014 Doodle 4 Google competition. Last week, the Google homepage reflected the competition’s theme, coaxing “If you could invent one thing to make the world a better place…”

The contest prompts young innovators to submit a Google Doodle under this year’s “invention” theme. The student whose artwork is selected as the winning entry will get to see their creation on the Google homepage, in addition to receiving a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school.

Yes, we all love to use Google and are often entertained by their doodles. But, you may be wondering why they’ve selected an invention theme for this year’s contest. Well, they couldn’t have said it better themselves.

“Before there was an airplane, there were doodles of cool flying machines. And before there was a submarine, there were doodles of magical underwater sea explorers. Since the beginning of time, ideas big and small, practical and playful, have started out as doodles. And we’re ready for more.”

The web search leader even goes as far as crediting their existence to creative minds everywhere.

“Google would not exist today if it weren’t for creativity, passion, and imagination; so, we love to celebrate and promote these values in our younger users.”

Google is encouraging students in grades K-12 to submit their artwork by March 20th.

With the Doodle 4 Google contest winner’s artwork being displayed on the search engine on June 9th, we can’t wait to see what the creators of tomorrow come up with!

If you know a creative student who might like to participate in this year’s Doodle 4 Google competition, learn more about the contest here.

Imagine this. It’s a warm summer afternoon and your burger is hot off of the grill. You have everything prepared and all that the burger needs is a dash of Ketchup. So, you grab for the glass bottle and repeatedly hit the bottom of the bottle with no luck. Now, you try the old trick of sticking a knife into the bottle’s neck to dislodge the contents. Finally, you have that dollop of ketchup you so patiently worked for, for the past minute.

As much as we love Ketchup, we don’t really love the effort that goes into getting that delicious tomato product out of its bottle. So, it seems a simple solution would be to put the classic glass bottle back onto the shelf and opt for the squeezable bottle. Not so fast, because sometimes that squeezable bottle can be just as annoying. One reason is the noise that it makes, which sometimes can make even the most mature person giggle. Secondly, how about that nice watery juice that seems to conveniently come out before your ketchup? Gross.

Possibly because of the annoying scenarios above and because ketchup sales fell flat, the H.J. Heinz Co., the world’s most dominant producer of ketchup, wanted to get people to eat more and, in turn, use more ketchup. That’s when Heinz set out to find a better way to get ketchup out of the bottle faster.

Heinz then had the idea to invent an upside-down ketchup bottle that emptied fast and clean. “Ready when you are” was the introductory slogan that Heinz used for their new invention.

But, just like most inventions, there can always be a better way to do something. In 1991, Paul Brown was working relentlessly in front of a molding press that was geared toward turning injections of liquid silicone into flexible, one-piece precision valves.

Brown joined forces with his mold-maker, Tim Socier, and they both came up with a valve that was a little silicone dome with right-angled slits cut in its top. When the sides of the bottle were pressed, the dome’s slits opened, reminiscent of a flower’s petals, and the contents would be released. When the pressing stopped, however, the air would be sucked back into the dome, causing it to retract and the slits to close.

In 2002, Heinz introduced its very own pour-from-the-bottom bottle that doesn’t leak, thanks to a variant of Brown’s patented valve invention. Additionally, the bottle won’t spew ketchup, because of the little grooved trap that runs around the cap.

On the other hand, maybe Heinz should take note of a new invention that’s on the rise from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that could further solve the ketchup dispensing problem.

MIT PhD candidate Dave Smith and a team of mechanical engineer and nano-technologists at the Varanasi Research Group have been addressing this dining problem.

What’s their solution? The LiquiGlide, a “super slippery” coating that is made up of nontoxic materials that can be applied to all sorts of food packaging. So far, ketchup and mayonnaise bottles have been the first test target.

LiquiGlide is unique because it’s a kind of structured liquid that has characteristics of both rigidity like a solid but also lubrication like a liquid. The substance can work with different types of packaging like glass and plastic and can be applied a number of ways including spraying the coating on the inside of the bottles.

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